Prof Patrick Wallis SAR.5.11

This course is available on the MSc in Global Economic History (Erasmus Mundus). This course is not available as an outside option.

This course is compulsory for students at LSE for the first year of the MA Global Studies programme.

The subject of the dissertation should relate broadly to one of the global history taught courses taken by the student. It should be either a critical survey of a well-defined problem in the literature, or a small self-contained research project using primary evidence. It must demonstrate adequate knowledge of appropriate literature in Global History and an ability to handle problems of evidence and explanation. 

Starting in the first term, students will receive advice on choosing a topic and how to tackle it, both from the Department (in the form of a document) and, individually, from their supervisors. There will be several taught sessions in Michaelmas Term for all students on the programme in addition to meetings with supervisors during the course of the year.

Students are expected to complete a sequence of preparatory stages during the year. (1) The title must be approved by the student's supervisor; (2) an outline of the Essay must be submitted in Lent Term (3) a one-page project summary and an extended draft by the end of the Summer Term. Supervisors will not normally provide comments on drafts submitted after that date.

Dissertation (100%, 6000 words) post-summer term.

The dissertation should be no longer than 6,000 words, excluding tables, references and bibliography. Marks will be deducted for late submission or excessive length.